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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, January 19th, 2023.
Later in the program, the Indiana Supreme Court heard arguments on the state’s GOP-backed abortion ban earlier this afternoon. More in your Statehouse Roundup.
Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Civic Conversations – a podcast collaboration between the WFHB Local News and The League of Women Voters of Bloomington and Monroe County. But first, your Statehouse Roundup.
The Statehouse Roundup: Indiana Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Abortion Ban Lawsuit
The Indiana Supreme Court heard arguments on the state’s GOP-backed abortion ban. The state’s highest judicial body listened to the two opposing sides on whether the abortion ban violates privacy protections.
Right now, abortions are currently allowed in the state after a county judge blocked the law from being enforced last fall. Indiana became the first state to ban abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year.
Attorney for the Appellant Thomas Fisher provided arguments on behalf of the state, saying he believes the abortion ban should remain intact. He said that ruling in favor of Planned Parenthood would require a rewrite of the state constitution.
Legal Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana Ken Falk made an argument against the ban as the attorney for the appellee. Falk said Indiana women would suffer if the ban were to remain in effect.
Law Professor at Indiana University Dr. Jennifer Ann Drobac spoke with WFHB Correspondent Grace Romine, offering analysis on the arguments the ACLU made in its two lawsuits.
According to the Associated Press, the 5-member Supreme Court, who were all appointed by Republican governors, does not have a deadline for releasing a decision. The AP reports it could take weeks if not longer to arrive at a decision.
Fire in Apartment Building Downtown
Yesterday morning the Bloomington Fire Department responded to a fire at 519 North Lincoln, a four-story apartment just off of East 10th street.
According to the Battalion Chief Tania Daffron the fire formed in the attic of the four story apartment building. Daffron said that the investigation as to what caused the fire is still ongoing.
The fire department received calls about the fire at 10:31 a.m. and responded within 3 minutes according to a statement found on their Facebook page. Around 3 p.m. firefighters were still on the scene, but Daffron shared that things were winding down.
There were not any reports of residents being injured, however, according to Daffon there were two firefighters who had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
Daffron also said that although Animal Control was called to the scene there still might be some pets on the loose, and asked residents in the area to keep an eye out for any pets that seem to be misplaced.
Bloomington City Council Continues Monroe Convention Center Discussion
On January 11th the Bloomington City Council heard a report from the Director of Housing and Neighborhood Development, John Zody who wanted to inform the council and the public about upcoming American Rescue Plan Act Funds from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Program.
Next, the council discussed a resolution in response to the Monroe County Board of Commissioners about the Monroe County Convention Center.
Monroe County Commissioner Julie Thomas spoke to the council. She explained that although the agreement will not be legally binding, it is a litmus test for the commissioners to know where the council stands on the Convention Center.
Council Member Steve Volan asked Thomas about whether or not the commissioners still support the Food and Beverage Tax in the future. Thomas said that she supports the food and Commissioner Lee Jones who attended over Zoom, agreed they will still need the Food and Beverage Tax for the Convention Center if the plans continue to move forward.
Commissioner Susan Sandberg asked Thomas if the Food and Beverage Tax being eliminated by the General Assembly in future legislation is a concern of theirs. Thomas responded.
Commissioner Ron Smith asked the new Deputy Mayor Mary Catherine Carmichael, why the city wants to have control over the Convention Center. Carmichael responded, saying that the city does not want to control the project, however they want to get it done in a timely manner, and they think it will be faster if they don’t have to come to joint agreements.
The council voted to override the Mayor’s previous veto on the Monroe County Commissioners ordinance establishing a Capital Improvement Board. The resolution passed with a vote of 8 – 1, with Council Member Kate Rosenbarger dissenting.
The next Bloomington City Council meeting will be held on January 18th.
Feature Report:
In today’s feature report, we feature an episode of Civic Conversations – a podcast collaboration between the WFHB Local News and the League of Women Voters of Bloomington and Monroe County. In this segment, host Jim Allision talked to Steve Hinnefeld about the impact on a community when local news sources die out. We turn now to Civic Conversations on the WFHB Local News.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Becky Hill.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
